President’s Message

Aloha Chamber members,

Mahalo to our board and members who attended Friday’s Chamber of the Year & Holiday Party sponsored by Monarch Insurance, held at the beautiful Halekulani Hotel, our member. The light rain did not dampen the spirits and energy of those in attendance. The evening was one of many competing events in the community, so we appreciate the support and participation.
 
Although the holiday season is here, we are already preparing for the 2019 Legislative Session and Chamber Week, which Governor Ige plans to proclaim on January 11. Entering its sixth year, Chamber Week is one of our biggest initiatives comprised of a week of activities centered around the opening of the legislative session on January 16. This initiative brings the islands together in one unified voice representing business. We look forward to working together with our Neighbor Island Chambers and other Chambers for the Walk Around at the State Capitol and Legislative Meet and Greet, among other activities, and to continue to strengthen our partnership and voice throughout the legislative session.
 
For Chamber Week sponsorship opportunities, please email Tricia Fetui. To register for Chamber Week activities, visit our website. As always, thank you for your wonderful support and continued investment.

Laulima & mahalo,

Sherry Menor-McNamara
President & CEO

Advocating for Business

2019 Legislative Session Preview: New Senate Members
We introduced new members of the State House last week. This week, we introduce new members of the State Senate. In their senatorial debuts, these lawmakers will be voting on measures that may have an impact on the business community. We encourage all members to attend the “Walk Around at the Capitol” and “Legislative Meet & Greet Reception” on January 17th during Chamber Week to engage with policymakers, both newly elected and veteran, and to share your perspectives. To register for these events, please click here.

	Kurt Fevella (R) Senate District 19 Ewa Beach, Ocean Pointe, Ewa by Gentry, Iroquois Point, Ewa Villages Fevella was elected to the seat previously held by Will Espero.
	Dru Mamo Kanuha (D) Senate District 3 Kona, Kau Kanuha was elected to the seat previously held by Josh Green.  He represented Kona on the Hawaii County Council from 2012 to 2018.
	Jarrett Keohokalole (D) Senate District 24 Kaneohe, MCBH, Kailua, Heeia, Ahuimanu  Keohokalole was elected to the seat previously held by Jill Tokuda.  He previously represented District 48 as a member of the State House from 2015 to 2018.
	Sharon Y. Moriwaki (D) Senate District 12 Waikiki, Ala Moana, Kakaako, McCully, Moiliili  Moriwaki was elected to the seat previously held by Brickwood Galuteria.

Supporting our Military

Registration for MAC Conference Opens

The Chamber’s Military Affairs Council (MAC) has scheduled its 2019 Hawaii Military Partnership Conference and Annual Meeting on Thursday, January 10th at the Hawaii State Capitol and Historic Washington Place, from 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM. This conference is an opportunity for Hawaii’s leaders — business, labor, political and military — to meet and interact with one another, and learn about the military’s priorities in Hawaii and the Indo-Pacific Region. 

The opening session, which starts promptly at 8:00 AM, currently includes a regional briefing from U.S. Indo-Pacific Command; and keynote remarks from Rear Admiral Jon Hill, Deputy Director of the Missile Defense Agency, and Vice Admiral Timothy White (invited), Commander of U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet. Following the opening session, there will be three break-out sessions beginning at 10:30 AM, with each attendee selecting one in which to participate. They are as follows: 1) Pohakuloa 2029; 2) Criticality of Red Hill – Readiness for the Region; and 3) Space: The Final Frontier is Here. 

Upon the conclusion of the break-out sessions at the Capitol at about 11:30 AM, attendees will proceed to Washington Place for the lunch program, which begins at 12 PM. Registration for MAC members and affiliated partners is $75; $100 for Chamber members; and $200 for the general public. Conference registration includes continental breakfast and lunch. Please note that due to space limitations, priority will be given to MAC and Chamber members. For more information or to register for the conference, please click here.

Building our Membership

2019 Young Professionals Mentor Hawaii Program
Be a part of the 4th cohort of the Chamber’s Young Professionals Mentor Hawaii Program. This program gives YP’s exclusive access to 20 of Hawaii’s top executives for one-on-one mentoring to help grow their careers and business acumen. Deadline to apply is Friday, January 4, 2019, apply here.